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Is it ok to use pc based oscilloscope for coil balancing pi and vlf what would be the minum specs needed to do this work proficiently thanks
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I take a shot at this. Not because I have a PC-based oscilloscope, but because I don't.
I have 3 scopes. A Tek, H-P and I forgot the third as it is setting on a shelf somewhere. I paid a few hundred for each used. Now they are a drug on the market. Cheap and too heavy for most folks. They are good for 75MHz and 200 MHz with the right plug-ins and probes. But they are dirt cheap now.
I would say no problem with a PC-based scope. For myself, I would want a minimum bandwidth of 1 MHz for this hobby and far higher for my ham radio homebrewing. You need 2 channels. Obviously 2 probes. Might be some more, but I don't have one.
Here's why. Used scopes are dirt cheap. Saelig, for example, has a mini scope for $49USD and really nice new 30-100MHz ones for $300-500USD. And the big reason...
I screw up once in awhile. It irritates me to have to replace some parts in the front end of my test equipment, but that is the reason I run older used stuff. I have the shop manuals and can repair them. I don't want my probe connected to my computer too. -
A stand-alone scope is nicer and easier to use. PC o0scilliscopes always have too many drawbacks compared to the real thing.
As overtheedge said, used ones are an excellent value. I picked up a Tektronix 2012B (2006 model) $225 CAD. It's a 2-channel, 100 mHz digital storage oscilloscope. even has USB for screen shots or connection to a computer.
Mine has barely been used, the second probe had never been out of the package.
If you find a computer scope that works for you, go for it. But beware there are usually many drawbacks and the risk of damaging your PC if you are not careful.Comment
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